Everyday Americans Getting Chance of a Lifetime

Everyday Americans Getting Chance of a Lifetime


Leading into the big day, President-elect Barack Obama will be spending time with those who helped him reach his ascent, the very people who put in the votes and who he seeks to remain accessible to.

Win ‘Your Ticket to History’

Ten grassroots supporters of Barack Obama will be selected, between now and 11:59 EST Jan. 8, to join the inaugural activities. The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is offering the chance for you (and one guest) to be flown to Washington, D.C., put up in a hotel, and be part of the historic event.

Those interested can make a donation and win tickets, or you can sign up and submit your essay on what this inauguration means to you via the PIC’s Website.

The first winner, Newberry, Florida resident Cynthia Russell, was chosen yesterday. She described herself as a “single woman who has been building homes for over 18 years” tackling the challenge of supporting herself, helping her mother, and keeping her business afloat. She believes Obama gives her “hope that 2009 will truly bring change to Americans who find themselves in this mess with me,” according to a news release.

All Aboard the Inauguration Train!

When Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden take the historic train ride from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. on Jan. 17, they will be riding in the company of everyday citizens who have been invited to make the journey based on their stories of challenges and triumphs, according to reports.

Obama’s presidential inaugural committee announced the plans for the train ride today, adding another element of commitment to the people of which Obama has encouraged since his first day as a presidential candidate.

The guests are being invited to represent the diversity and various life experiences of Americans across the country.

“Each one of these families has their own remarkable story to add to our American story, and we’re thrilled they’ve agreed to join us as we travel to Washington,” Josh Earnest, a spokesman for the inaugural committee, told the Associated Press.

Invitees are hailing from states including Texas, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Montana.

The tour will begin with an event in Philadelphia and will stop for events in Wilmington, Delaware and Baltimore, Maryland en route to the nation’s capital.

Janell Hazelwood is the copy editor and a reporter for BlackEnterprise.com.


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